Colombia’s Supreme Court Wednesday announced it will be stricter in
allowing demobilized paramilitaries benefits in exchange for the former
fighters’ collaboration with justice.
“A confession alone is not sufficient for obtaining the benefits of the Justice and Peace Law”, the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court decided.
“The reconstruction of the collective memory is the responsibility of those who apply for the Justice and Peace Law.” If there is no complete and truthful confession, it is not possible to pursue an alternative sentence, the highest court clarified.
A confession must not only be about committing a crime but also give details about the reasons and circumstances, so that the past can be rebuild and assimilated, the high court says.
“The gaps in civil registrations of deaths and displaced communities require examination of context. Only this way, we can meet the requirements of international law in the protection of fundamental rights,” the Supreme Court was quoted by newspaper El Espectador.
It is the first time the Supreme Court set clear parameters on what should be the scope of a confession.